ST. GEORGE — A 10-week course designed to provide tools and resources for those suffering from early stage memory loss or dementia diagnosis and for those who are their primary caregivers will be offered to citizens of Southern Utah starting Sept. 12.
Memory Matters, a donor supported nonprofit organization, is offering the course titled “Early Stage Memory Loss Education Series” to registered participants. There is a nominal suggested donation of $25 per couple.
The course will take place in St. George and is cosponsored by the St. George Library and Five County Area Agency on Aging. Additional funding is provided by Sorensen Legacy Foundation, Three Corners Women’s Giving Circle, Dolores Dore’ Eccles Foundation and Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
“There are seven stages of dementia,” LuAnn Lundquist, Memory Matters founder and director, said in a news release issued by the organization. “The first one is where the disease process is evident in brain pathology, but few symptoms are evident. Stages two through four are very important stages to recognize and then become active to maintain brain health as well as making preparations and decisions for the future. After stage four, many of those opportunities are limited.”
Symptoms of memory loss can be caused by reversible conditions that may be diagnosed by a doctor. If the diagnosis is an illness such as Alzheimer’s disease, there are things that can be done in the early stages to help the person function better and longer including proactive decisions that give voice to the person with memory loss in the future.
The Early Stage Memory Loss Education Series classes are intended to promote brain health and help participants plan for the future.
Professionals in the community will present to the group and provide connections to available resources. Presenters include a licensed clinical social worker, attorneys, a dietician, a certified brain coach and medical doctors in various fields of study, among other experts.
Topics include brain training exercises, legal and financial preparations, validation communication training, brain health information, memory aids, stress management information and nutrition information.
“Clients that are proactive in their health are the ones that usually sign up for this intervention,” Lundquist said in the news release. “We have seen a lot of success with those who attend this course.”
Event details
- What: Early Stage Memory Loss Education Series 10-week workshop.
- When: Begins Sept. 12 and runs subsequent Tuesdays until Nov. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Where: St. George Library, 88 W. 100 South.
- Cost: Suggested donation of $25 per couple. Preregistration is required and can be completed at the Memory Matters website.
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